Vikings fans pay tribute to legendary coach Bud Grant after his death

Bud Grant, former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. (Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports)

Former Vikings coach Bud Grant died Saturday at the age of 95, prompting a flood of memories and love for the Minnesota legend.

The state of Minnesota mourned Saturday after news of former Vikings head coach Bud Grant passing away at the age of 95.

Grant was a giant on the Minnesota sports scene. He coached the Vikings from 1967 to 1983 and again in 1985. Taking the team to new heights with his tough approach to coaching, he led them to the 1969 NFL Championship. He made it to the Super Bowl four times with the team but never broke through with a win.

“We are absolutely devastated to announce the passing of legendary Minnesota Vikings head coach and Hall of Famer Bud Grant this morning at the age of 95,” the Vikings tweeted the news on Saturday.

We are absolutely devastated to announce legendary Minnesota Vikings head coach and Hall of Famer Bud Grant has passed away this morning at the age of 95.

We are shocked and saddened by this terrible news like all Vikings and NFL fans. pic.twitter.com/z2NNlNAY44

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 11, 2023

Vikings fans, former players and other fans took to Twitter to mourn Grant’s passing and share what he meant to the world of sports.

Vikings fans share memories and love after Bud Grant’s passing

RIP Coach Grant. One of my favorite memories of the legend. Walking to midfield for the coin toss in a golf shirt…and it’s -6 air temperature. pic.twitter.com/fm76IaORd8

— Jay Olstad (@jayolstadtv) March 11, 2023

If Winters were to appear as a man, that man would be Bud Grant. Not only did he save the Vikings from terminal irrelevance, but he created a framework and culture that pervades to this day. He is *the Vikings*, and will remain a Vikings posthumously. RIP Bud. pic.twitter.com/H7NbzmX6jm

— Luke Braun (@LukeBraunNFL) March 11, 2023

Sad day sure. Bud Grant passed this morning. It was an absolute honor to play for this man. He will be missed 🙏🏻RIP pic.twitter.com/JUwhkb3PGX

— Keith Millard (@keithjmillard75) March 11, 2023

RIP Bud Grant. A wonderful man. The Vikings welcomed me with kind words and encouragement

Later that season in one of the coldest playoff games in NFL history, he just walked out on a coin toss in a polo. head up, chest out, eyes burning

Full caption https://t.co/6LdKFbMCF8

— Rob Rodriguez (@CoachRod_FB) March 11, 2023

Bud Grant! What else can you say? Ultimate HC and a man who made me field flip@vikingsFor 10 years we had a special bond of mutual respect and admiration. Will never forget our personal moments.@ProFootballHOF, Rest Well Old Trapper! pic.twitter.com/s9OfHIVBou

— Greg Coleman (@gregcoleman8) March 11, 2023

For me football was the best in the 70’s. On a snowy Sunday in Minnesota. Purple people eaters. Nothing can ever be better than this.

Bud Grant was a legend, a great coach and a gentleman in every sense of the word. Rest In Peace Coach, thank you for all those unforgettable games. pic.twitter.com/EdkH8I83CI

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 11, 2023

No one represented Minnesotans more than Bud Grant. He’s up there with Prince on Mount Rushmore with the indigenous iconic Minnesota legends. https://t.co/BoH2TpDWRv

— Josh Hill (@jdavhill) March 11, 2023

bud grant,
vikings winning percentage,
NFL Ranking:

before grant = sixth-worst
With grant = 5th-best
After Grant = 9th-Best

They set a bad schedule. Sustained its success for 18 years. And set the standard for now.

Vikings are Vikings because of Grant.

— Dustin Baker (@DustBaker) March 11, 2023

Bud Grant was older than Coach. He was a legend for people of my age (53). Lombardi—like how his presence is on edge. And that’s not taking into account the older generation who knew him as a legendary athlete. Bud Grant was from Minnesota.

— Jude Zulgad (@jzulgad) March 11, 2023

I literally have tears…
A man who literally exemplified the word Vikings and made me a fan of the team.

Rest in Peace Bud Grant. Thank you for the memories.

— Kevin McMahon (@McDegoViking) March 11, 2023

Grant was born in Wisconsin but played for Minnesota in college. He was selected by the Eagles in the first round of the 1950 NFL Draft, but left after a few years to join the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League.

His playing days in Winnipeg quickly shifted to coaching, taking over as head coach of the Blue Bombers in 1957. They won four Gray Cups before the Vikings arrived in 1967.

He remained deeply involved in the franchise as a consultant until his passing in 1985 when he retired with a 158–96 record. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

Fans on social media remembered his toughness, especially against the cold northern winters. When he was 88, he wore a short-sleeved shirt at midfield for the pregame coin flip when the temperature was minus six degrees outside.

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